Tosh: Blend of Peak, peace, and pure bliss.
I was not aware of the word “Tosh.” I heard it for the first time in Kasol, where people planned to get there. I asked the unique things to explore about this place. An individual asked me to visit and experience the specialty. I became curious about the place and hired a scooter to get there. While riding to this village, I got the idea that it was a hidden gem or you could say part of heaven.
The high altitude, covered with dense forest, and snowy mountains all around there caught my attention. I saw a small, vibrant village on slope hills and 360 degrees covered by mountains. I parked my scooter and climbed on the hill to get a stay.
I stayed at a hostel. The views from the rooftop were amazing, and I took so many pictures. Tosh is a village situated at an altitude of 7874 feet. Although it is becoming popular among travelers, it is isolated and peaceful compared to Kasol. The first day, I spent most of the time taking pictures, moving here and there. I didn’t feel alone since I got so many amazing travelers there. In the evening, I visited Shiva Mountain Café so the vibe and food were up to the mark. The weather is so surprising here, it may change suddenly and you could experience rain and rainbow.
On the next day, I decided to extend my stay because I got to know a few more about this place as there were so many things to look around. I was visiting random Cafes and interacting with people. It was a feeling of getting something new beyond expectations. I used to read books, exercise, and enjoy playing chess with co-travelers. I want to share the things you could do during your visit to Tosh.
Things to do in Tosh:
Like other tourist places, you can’t move here and there much because it is situated at a high altitude but it still offers many things to make your experience enjoyable.
1. Relax and Rejuvenate- This village is perfect for those who want to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Relax on a mountain, read a book, or meditate amidst nature’s serenity.
2. Enjoy the Night sky- With minimal light pollution, it offers incredible stargazing opportunities. The clear skies make it an ideal spot to witness a blanket of stars, and on lucky nights, even the Milky Way.
3. Explore Local Cafes- This village has a vibrant café culture, with cozy spots serving delicious food and stunning views. Some popular cafes include: Pink Floyd, Café Shiva Boom café, etc.
4. Visit the waterfall- You can easily visit Tosh Waterfall by walking as it is not that far away. The sound of gushing water combined with the breathtaking scenery makes it a peaceful retreat.
5. Sightseeing and scenic view- It is surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, lush green valleys, and dense pine forests. So it gives a great opportunity to capture memories for a lifetime.
6. Experience the Himachali culture- Spend time interacting with the locals to learn about their simple yet vibrant lifestyle. Visit the village temple to understand the spiritual traditions and admire the local architecture.
7. Trekking and Hiking- Tosh is a haven for trekking enthusiasts, offering several trails with varying levels of difficulty. Popular treks include: Pin Parvaty Trek, Kheergang, Malana village, etc.
The list to do is endless here. You will not feel bored here as you will be consistently experiencing dynamic weather and vibe. Pulga and Kalga Village are also around to explore easily.
Best time to visit Tosh:
Summer is the most convenient time to visit Tosh, as the weather is so pleasant, and the natural beauty is up. The temperature ranges between 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for trekking and exploring. While it looks lush and green during the monsoons, the heavy rainfall can make trekking trails slippery and risky. It’s very hard to do any outdoor things or activities so avoid during this time.
During Winter, this village transforms into a snowy wonderland. If you are the one who loves snow vibe, this is the best time for you. Temperatures drop and it becomes challenging to survive here. However, this village is always going to get you amazing experience in terms of vibe, feeling and view.
How many days for Tosh?
This village is isolated and connected through Kasol. If a person visits to kasol, he can certainly explore this village and stay for 3-4 days here. You could complete as many things as possible like local sightseeing, trekking, visiting cafes and staying in the mountains.
Where to stay in Tosh?
Village offers a range of accommodations, from budget guesthouses to cozy homestays. Many guesthouses and cafes offer stunning views of the valley, allowing you to wake up to the sight of majestic mountains. Some popular places to stay include Whoopers, Bunker House Perkup Hostel, etc. You can easily find and book a stay at your convenience.
How to visit Tosh?
Generally, the vehicle route is there but it is challenging from Kasol. Since the road is not stable always because of natural disasters so going there by 2-wheeler could be a better option. One can visit there on a walk as it would be more risk-free and If you’re trekking to Tosh, avoid carrying heavy luggage. Internet and mobile networks can be patchy, so make sure you have sufficient cash to avoid hassle. I personally preferred 2 wheeler and would advise the same.
How do we avoid connectivity problems?
Though there is a problem with mobile connectivity in this village, you can easily find wi-fi at every hostel, café, and hotel. So, it’s not a big challenge to stay connected with people through the internet.
Things to avoid in Tosh?
Traveling is all about having a refreshing mood and balancing lifestyle. However, a few people have started considering it a way to fulfill their unethical needs, such as consuming drugs, weed, etc. They indulge in such activities in places like Tosh, Kasol, or other parts of Himachal, which leads them into trouble. It does not just impact their life but also influences badly to their friends and colleagues. Use traveling as a tool to influence people in the right direction and create a positive impact, not a negative one.
This village has gained popularity over the years, bringing benefits and challenges. As an act of intelligence, we should avoid such negative impacts so that locals don’t hesitate to welcome new people. Avoid littering, use eco-friendly products, and respect the local environment.
Rest, what do you think should be the purpose behind traveling, and how to tackle such challenges while traveling?